What Helped The City Grow?

Towns and cities develop for different reasons. In the 18th century, Cork became the most important port in Europe for exporting dairy products. The Cork Butter Exchange was the centre of the dairy trade. The building was on a hillside in Shandon overlooking the River Lee.

Cork River illustration

This illustration of the Cork harbour area shows several large ships entering and leaving the harbour.

Cork's merchants also made fortunes through brewing (Beamish and Crawford), distilling, and selling food, drink, ropes and sailcloth to the Royal Navy. The making and selling of material for clothes was also very important.

All these industries meant Cork grew and became a centre for manufacturing as well as shipping. Water was certainly crucial to the growth of Cork in the eighteenth century.

Answer the questions on this image, which is Butt's view of Cork dating from 1760.

After answering the quiz, consider the following in relation to this image:

• How may the people who lived in these houses have made a living?
• What does this illustration tell us about the relationship between Cork and the water?